Genre: MISCELLANEOUS

We had to combine this category, since there aren't as many fighting games as there used to be. Combine that with the lack of high profile puzzle and rhythm based games and we have our miscellaneous category. Check it out!

If any fighting game series continues to draw gamers in without cranking out remakes and/or rereleases, it's Tekken. The Tekken series has delivered 3D fighting action with deep gameplay for years, and that combined with extremely unique characters has made Tekken the current king of fighting games.

Tekken focuses on full control of a fighter by allowing the player to control all limbs of the fighter's body. The strength of a hit depends on the move the player pulls off. This combined with easy button mashing has allowed both noobs to enjoy the game and hardcore gamers that actually memorize programmed button mashing in order to pull off large combos, to enjoy the game. The unique cast of characters with deep background stories has also helped Namco reel in gamers every time they develop a new Tekken game.

The first thing you'll notice about Tekken 6 is the graphics. For the first time ever, gamers get to see visuals as good as in the Tekken 5 FMVs. Also, gamers will get to play as new characters and new versions of old characters, such as Jack 6. The gameplay won't change, but Tekken fans wouldn't want it to. The environments will mimic the DOA series this time around as Namco is trying to deliver the same crash through walls and bash opponents type areas. Tekken 6 is trying to be the ultimate fighting game by combing both easy to learn, difficult to master gameplay along with incredible stages. I doubt any fighting game fan will want to miss the next Iron Fist Tournament.

What fighting game screams pain and anguish? MORTAL KOMBAT!!!!!!!!!! Mortal Kombat is one of the first fighting game series to depict fighting in a realistic light, even when using completely deranged and fantasy-like characters.

Midway has earned lots of quarters due to the extreme violence and deep story within the Mortal Kombat series. Each game presented a new lineup of characters until Mortal Kombat Armageddon, which featured every MK character in one complete package with almost nothing missing, except Khameleon, and some mini-games like Pong.

The best rendition of the Mortal Kombat world is now coming to Wii and bringing some unique features that will make any Wii and/or Mortal Kombat fan drool. Except for the lack of online gameplay, the experience can be the same on the Wii; or by wielding the power of the Wii-mote, a player can perform Mortal Kombat special moves in real time therefore making the player feel he/she is a Mortal Kombat character. Truly, the Wii-mote experience is the only reason to spend $50 on this game. If you want fancy graphics and tons of MK characters and you have a PS2 or Xbox, then go spend $20 right now. For Wii-only gamers, however, Mortal Kombat Armageddon is one of the hottest games to be released this year.

Super Puzzle Fighter HD Remix is proof that any fighting fan will play a Street Fighter related game no matter how bad it looks. Fortunately, Super Puzzle Fighter is one of the best games I've ever played. (at least on the GBA).

The Super Puzzle Fighter series features gameplay as simple as Columns, but as fun as Street Fighter. The fact that you can choose some famous Capcom characters really adds to the fun as well as the storyline. Yes, nothing is better than filling up your opponent's screen with gems, and then watching your opponent's sprite crack up.

Playing Super Puzzle Fighter in HD only makes the gems prettier. Unfortunately, none of the characters have been willing to be seen in HD. Game celebrities. Yeesh. Some new modes have been added in order to give gamers a new Puzzle Fighter, including X mode (Standard), Y mode (Tetris style), and Z mode (gems falling upward), but really, this is a port of the Japanese-only Dreamcast title. If you've played this title on the PS one, GBA, and/or PSP, then you don't really need this, unless you want online play like all 360 Live Arcade titles have. Online play truly makes this one of the hottest puzzle games coming out this year.

The minute anyone hears that a new Guitar Hero game is being developed, they scream. They scream with a heavy metal passion. They scream with ecstasy. Why? Because no other rhythm game features the best songs on earth that will never be lame.....ever! Rock will always rule, especially in the video game world.

The original Guitar Hero is the most popular of the Hero series by far due to its incredible interactivity and major artist filled soundtrack. Harmonix got lots of number one songs for the game, and bands begging to license songs for the sequel. They've continued to make major money by giving themselves a game genre which allows them to continue cranking out sequels which will never be boring. They've also found a great way to sell accessories by selling new types of controllers with each game. Even if a gamer doesn't want another guitar, if he wants to compete against his friends, he'll have to buy the guitar version of Guitar Hero II. Unfortunately, Red Octane, the owner of the Guitar Hero license, was acquired by Activision and cannot use Harmonix to develop the sequel. Instead, we'll be seeing the series future through the eyes (or should I say eye?) of Neversoft.

The second sequel in the Guitar Hero series will deliver more rockin' goodness than ever before along with the ability to download new songs for the game. Why not just download a new set of songs? First of all, PS2 fans would be missing out on a lot of new songs as the PS2 versions lack downloadable content, plus Guitar Hero III will feature online cooperative and competitive modes. The third Guitar Hero game will also feature new music by Metallica, AC/DC, and Led Zeppelin. Look out Guitar Hero fans cause "You got another game coming!"

When gamers think rhythm games, they think Harmonix. It's true that gamers only remember three series developed by them, Frequency, Amplitude, and Guitar Hero, but these three series, although somewhat similar, have set the stage for what rhythm games should consist of.

Although Harmonix no longer is allowed to develop games for the series, that doesn't mean they can't crank out a game that's even better than what they've already created. So far, Harmonix has improved with every title they've made. Rock Band is not a sequel to Guitar Hero, but more like the Guitar Hero's father living in the heavens. This game is like the god of rhythm games and the god of making money. The game will most likely play like Guitar Hero, but will now focus on different aspects of a band, so anyone who likes rock music will appreciate this game. First, you buy the game and then, because simply pressing regular buttons is boring, you can buy a guitar to jam with or drums. And if you wish to play unplugged, you can buy even more expensive wireless drums, so you can literally play air guitar. Party time! Excellent! Or, maybe you like rock music, but hate rhythm games. Maybe you only appreciate music through karaoke games. If so, then buy a mike and sing your heart out! The only problem is, if you sing with others listening, they may boot you out of your living room. No one can really complain if you don't nail the notes right on your silent plastic, wired guitar. It can cost up to $300 if you want to play form a virtual rock band, but there will be no multiplayer experience that I know of that will deliver the fun and fantasy of Rock Band. Try to get your friends to buy the game with a different instrument.